Welcome!

This is part of a series of hikes offered weekly throughout the entire year. We are the most consistent hiking group in Utah, with a hike every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning since February 2003. When you arrive you can expect a kind, caring, friendly attitude!

Regardless of your hiking level or ability, you are invited to join us in our beautiful outdoor playground known as the Wasatch Mountains and far beyond. We hike a different trail often and look forward to meeting new hikers as well as strengthening friendships with loyal, core members.

In addition to local hikes, join us on our many exciting, adventure trips, domestic and international!

This is a free event!

Specific details about this hike may not be posted online. Details are discussed in person at the meeting place prior to leaving for the hike.

All Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday hikes are very similar. Even with different trails and canyons, the format and guidelines are always the same.

I am the sole organizer and promoter for all of my hikes which provides a consistency in leadership.Calendar for all hikes are posted in two places: 1) our website: LiveandThrive.com and meetup.com website.A brief, pre-hike meeting is held prior to each hike to answer questions and concerns.Several assistants help me often. Come and get to know them as well.Safety is always our #1 priority. With 15 years of experience leading hikes year round in the Wasatch Mountains, we are familiar with where to go and not to go, especially during winter months.Hikers are expected to stay on maintained trails.Hikers are expected to use good judgement and act accordingly.Be careful not to make judgments on where I take our group based on what you read online from websites i.e. alltrails.com, for example. I am familiar with several trail options that are not always talked about on a trail website. Bottom line: We are keenly aware of the needs and abilities of our hiking members and plan our hikes accordingly.Winter hikes, December through March, require extra gear. See info below under Equipment and Gear.When snowshoes are required for a hike, you’ll find the phrase “SNOWSHOES REQUIRED” posted in the title within 24 hours of the hike.Hikes are rarely canceled even if weather conditions are less than perfect. It may be a shorter hike if necessary but there is always a hike.Several trailheads are located outside of a canyon so driving in a canyon is not always necessary. This applies especially when canyon road conditions are dicy. We have our favorite rainy day hikes, snowy day hikes, etc. Sledding is added to winter hiking as well. Hike up and sled down! More info later.Tuesday and Thursday hikers start gathering at 8 AM and leave for trailhead at 8:15 AM. Saturday hikers start gathering at 8 AM and leave for trailhead at 8:30 AM.Summer schedule changes slightly. Every hike ends by 12 Noon or before, UNLESS it’s clearly stated otherwise. Hikers may prefer a shorter hike, which is fine. Tell me at our meeting place.Carpools are encouraged. Plenty of people are always willing to drive.You may drive on your own if you prefer.Hikers are encouraged to go at a pace they are most comfortable with. Occasionally we’ll wait at an intersection for a few minutes for fellow hikers but enjoy hiking with those you are most compatible with. Avoid hiking alone especially during winter months.Within our group there may be two or three groups: 1) fast hikers, moderately fast hikers and slower hikers. Slower hikers may be new to hiking or just enjoy the photography. All of our hikes are based on a time period - NOT distance or elevation gain. Everyone is asked to be off the trail by 12 Noon unless otherwise planned.“Out and back trails” mean that hikers will be turning around and heading back to the cars by 10:30 AM.“Loop trails” or “One Way Hikes” will be posted or discussed prior to hiking. Shuttle cars are often dropped before the hike begins.Faster hikers may gain more elevation and distance than others.Our hiking outings are not a competition. Enjoy the outing at a pace and length you desire.Hikes may range from 3 - 10 miles in length, depending on several factors. Snowshoeing, for example, is generally more of a workout than hiking.Most of our hikers have a moderate ability however those who are building strength are encouraged to attend and those who want to discover lots of new trails.Our group is made up of men and women, ranging from 30 - 70 years of age, with some younger and older than that.Children and teens attend occasionally - we especially love those who don’t whine or complain! If you bring a child, let me know in advance. Utah has strict laws regarding dogs in the canyons. Talk to me before bringing a dog or get acquainted with where dogs are allowed.Talk to me in person at our meeting place if you want to discuss any concerns.

Disclaimer:All of our hikes are subject to change without notice due to conditions beyond our control regarding weather, road, trail and/or canyon conditions.There may be a change at our 6200 South meeting place, prior to leaving for the trail. It’s a rare occurrence but it could happen more during the unpredictable winter months. IF you need to meet us somewhere other than our 6200 South meeting place, contact me the night before the hike, so I can notify you if there is a change.

Equipment or Gear

Water - 2 liters is generally plenty for our outings, however, 1 liter or 1 quart per hour of hiking is recommendedSnack i.e. granola bar, trail mix, nutsSun protection i.e. sunscreen, lip balmWarm hatSunglassesLight jacket for wind protection, cooler temperaturesBase layer for a top. Long underwear if temperatures dictateWater proof pants for stormy days. Warm coat for colder daysAvoid wearing cotton clothing anytime since it doesn’t wick. First Aid Kit - (basic supplies i.e. bandaids, aspirin, Neosporin, moist towelettes, etc.)Cell phone - service may be spotty in the canyonsCameraFlashlight - Most of our hikes are in the morning but it is always a good item to have. Water proof rain coat.Kahtoola Micro Spikes (or equivalent). Used for hiking on ice/snow packed trails. In the past we have used spikes 80% of the time and snowshoes 20%.Snowshoes (generally are used right after a significant snowfall.) Within 4 - 5 days after a snowstorm many of the trails are packed down so spikes are used more. When hiking in deeper power snowshoes are definitely needed.

FYI: I rent MSR Snowshoes (I own 15 pair). Cost: $10/pair. Text me no later than the night before to reserve a pair. Pay me at the meeting place or on VENMO.I sell Micro Spikes. Cost: $50/pair. Reg. $75.I don’t have any snowshoes for sale.Plan to carry the spikes in your backpack while hiking. You may not need them at the beginning of the hike but at some point you will generally need them.For help finding quality winter clothing and gear on a shoestring budget:Contact The Gear Room, tell them Sheryl sent you. They are a quality consignment shop for outdoor sports. 2258 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights. (801) 448-3037.Tell me at our meeting place and I can help you in person

TIP: When carpooling get your driver’s cell phone # in case you get separated. Bring a few dollars to give your driver if you are carpooling.Add my contact info to your phone. Sheryl: 801-278-5313

Location

6200 South UTA Park n Ride

6570 South Wasatch Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121

Start gathering at 8:00. Leave for hike at 8:15. See TIMELINE below. No dogs allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons. Find us on the south end of the parking lot. Questions? Call/text 801-278-5313

Timeline

8:00 AM

Start gathering

There is a 15 minute window when hikers will be arriving. Join us for a short pre-hike meeting as we greet everyone, introduce any new hikers, discuss final instructions for this hike, address any concerns, arrange carpools, and announce upcoming events.

8:15 AM

Drive to trailhead

Hikers are encouraged to gather at our meeting place, not the trailhead in case we need to change the hiking location at the last minute. If you need to meet us at the trailhead, text me before 8 AM so I can inform you of any updates.

8:45 AM

Arrive at trailhead, start hiking

The trailhead is generally within 10 - 30 minutes of our 6200 South meeting place, unless otherwise stated. There is often limited parking at the trailheads which is why we try to carpool if possible. Some trailheads have a bathroom, many do not. If you choose to do a shorter hike, let me know so I can ask other hikers since they may want to join you. Let me know at the meeting place.

12:00 PM

Off the trail

We are off the trail between 11:30 AM - 12 noon, depending on the hike. If it is an Out and Back trail, we generally turn around by 10:30 AM in order to be back to the cars in time. Come often and get to know other hikers with similar abilities.

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Meet Sheryl

Hi, I'm Sheryl McGlochlin, and I love people! I believe everyone comes with plenty of baggage and it's all good! Even those who are harder to love have taught me so much about myself. I have a passion for life and I hate wasting a moment of it. I have been blessed with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. I know there is great healing power in being active outdoors surrounded by nature, and my deepest desire is to help others discover that. My faith in God and the feeling of His great love for me, my family, and my friends are what make me excited to get up each morning. I look forward to meeting you soon!